Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has revealed his only wish for the New Year is to enjoy an injury-free 2014.
The Argentina star saw a hamstring injury bring a premature end to last season and a similar problem has left him on the sidelines since November, this term.
The 26-year-old looks set to return to action for the Blaugrana's clash with Elche on January 5 and he hopes it is the beginning of a prosperous year.
He told Argentinian TV show Mundo Leo: "There are many important things in the human part, but sports-wise what I ask for 2014 is a year without injuries.
"The goal now is to be physically fit and the idea is to get a couple of practice sessions with my team-mates before playing again.
"After celebrating the end of the year with my people, next Wednesday, January 1, I'll fly to Barcelona and, after my arrival, we'll see when I'm ok to play again."
Barca qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League without their star man but have seen their lead at the top of La Liga whittled down, with the club level on 46 points with second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Barca qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League without their star man but have seen their lead at the top of La Liga whittled down, with the club level on 46 points with second-placed Atletico Madrid.
